Australopithecus robustus
(source of picture: Historical Geology)
The Australopithecus robustus dates from approximately 2.3 - 1.3 million
years ago. The difference between Ausrtalopithecus robustus and both afarensis
and africanus becomes apparent in the comparison of their structure. Australopithecus
robustus had an average height of 1.5 m and weighed 45 kg on average (much
larger then both Australopithecus afarenis and africanus). As well as a
larger bone structure, the Australopithecus robustus also had a larger cranium
capacity ranging from 500 - 600 cc, housed by an large skull. (Wicander
and Monroe 1993)
As is characteristic of most of the Australopithecus, robustus had a flat
face. It's muscular jaw and flat, almost molar-like teeth seemed to imply
that the Australopithecus was likely a vegetarian
(Wicander and Monroe 1993)
back to Australopithecus